The Mustard Seed School is officially called Ecole Privée Voantsinapy (voantsinapy is Malagasy for "mustard seed") and is a combined primary and secondary school in Antsirabe, Madagascar.

The school's founder, Razafy, named the school after the parable of the mustard seed when she welcomed the first 50 students in 1994.

Just as the mustard seed grows into a large tree where birds can build their nests, the school has developed into a significant and inclusive educational institution with room for many.

The Support Association for Schools in Madagascar is a voluntary, non-profit organization in Norway that has organized fundraising and information efforts for the school since it was established in 1994.

The association's work is based on volunteerism (unpaid work) to keep administrative costs to a minimum. The association employs 27 staff members at the Mustard Seed School in various full-time positions, as well as a large number of seasonal workers on the farm.

The association's goal is to help children from particularly disadvantaged backgrounds escape poverty through education and the acquisition of practical vocational skills.

 The Mustard Seed School prioritizes orphaned children, children living with single caregivers, and children from challenging home environments characterized by alcohol abuse and neglect.

At the same time, it is important for Principal Noro to create a diverse and inclusive learning environment at the school. Therefore, a small proportion of school places are reserved for children who do not belong to these specific categories to avoid creating a "ghetto."

Tuition fees are based on a needs assessment. Children from the most disadvantaged families attend for free throughout their schooling, while children from more resourceful families pay a symbolic registration fee. This amount is always lower than that of public schools.

  The Mustard Seed School is primarily a private primary and secondary school that follows the national curriculum in Madagascar. In addition to regular subjects, the school places increased emphasis on IT and foreign language instruction starting from 5th grade. The school has its own library with organized homework assistance, a spacious sports area, and a school garden of 100 acres.

The biggest difference between the Mustard Seed School and other Malagasy schools is that the teachers are trained educators who also function as social workers. They make the teaching so engaging and inclusive for the students that we have a dropout rate of less than 1%.

All students receive a nutritious meal each day. The children also have regular check-ups by a doctor and receive medical assistance when needed. Every student is provided with clothing twice a year. We emphasize making the school experience at the Mustard Seed School extra special with annual events such as a Christmas party, outings, and a school trip for the graduating students.

In the summer of 2024, we will expand to include vocational courses in IT, industrial sewing, and natural resource management for graduating students at the Mustard Seed School.

Funds raised for the Mustard Seed School are allocated to teacher salaries, taxes, and social security; fixed operating costs such as electricity, internet, and website maintenance; fertilizers, seeds, and various expenses related to food production at Kanaan; food, clothing, Christmas celebrations, vocational training, Christmas parties, and study trips. 

You can support the work at the Mustard Seed School with a one-time donation via VIPPS, or you can become a regular giver through AvtaleGiro using this link. 

We are applying to be approved under the gift deduction scheme with the Tax Administration and hope to offer tax deductions for all donations over 500 NOK per year starting in 2024.